Further remand for log truck driver in fatal crash

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Name suppression has lapsed for a log truck driver involved in a collision in which Tolaga Bay man Hone (Jondi) Maitai died last month.

Anthony Wakaki Thomas, 49, was absent when his case was called yesterday in Gisborne District Court but was represented by counsel Lucy Rishworth.

Ms Rishworth told Judge Warren Cathcart there would be no further application for suppression.

Her client was unable to get to court as he was stranded in Auckland after police there issued an order forbidding him to drive his vehicle, which was not up to Warrant of Fitness standard.

Police prosecutor Sgt. Carl Neustroski confirmed it.

The judge further remanded Thomas on bail until June 25 when he will be expected to enter pleas to charges of failing to stop to ascertain injury and careless use of a vehicle.

Mr Maitai, 62, was driving a ute when the collision occurred at about 5.30am on Tuesday, April 23, near the Waiau Road corner, 12 kilometres south of Tokomaru Bay. He died at the scene.